•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
Maintenance and Specifications
281
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•E-350/E-450 Dual Rear Wheel
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to add
fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Maintenance and Specifications
286
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford Custom Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Ford Custom Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at:www.fordaccessories.com(U.S. only).
Exterior style
•Bug shields•Running boards
•Deflectors•Splash guards
Interior style
•Floor mats•Cargo organization
•Electrochromic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Lifestyle
•Racks and carriers*•Garmin navigation*
•Trailer hitches and towing accessories
Accessories
304
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you onlyoccasionallyoperate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsChange engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
6R80 and TorqShifttransmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled Maintenance
322
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:If operating conditions are normal
and you drive your vehicle under typical, everyday conditionsandyou
are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example
SM, etc.) then you can follow the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service
oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must
follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (4,800 km) if the owner is
Scheduled Maintenance
328
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
A
Accessory delay ..........................67
AdvanceTrac ..............................192
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................106
and child safety seats ............108
description ..............................106
disposal ....................................110
driver airbag ............................108
indicator light .........................110
operation .................................108
passenger airbag .....................108
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................111
Air cleaner filter .......291–292, 295
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................266
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................190
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................86
Audio system (see Radio) ...29, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................202, 204
fluid, adding ............................286
fluid, checking ........................286
fluid, refill capacities ..............296
fluid, specification ..................296
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................38
Auxiliary power point .................65
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........296
refill capacities ........................296
traction lok ..............................198
B
Battery .......................................263acid, treating emergencies .....263
jumping a disabled battery ....235
maintenance-free ....................263
replacement, specifications ...295
servicing ..................................263
Belt-Minder.............................102
Blind spot mirror ......................212
Booster seats .............................134
Brakes ........................................189
anti-lock ...................................190
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................190
fluid, checking and adding ....285
fluid, refill capacities ..............296
fluid, specifications .................296
lubricant specifications ..........296
parking ....................................191
shift interlock ..........................200
trailer .......................................178
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....296
Cell phone use ............................10
Changing a tire .........................225
Child safety seats ......................120
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ..............................121
LATCH .....................................124
recommendations ...................118
tether anchorage hardware ...131
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............252
exterior ....................................255
instrument panel ....................253
interior .....................................254
Index
330
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
terminology .............................141
tire grades ...............................141
treadwear ........................140, 147
Towing .......................................173
recreational towing .................183
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............178
trailer towing ..........................173
wrecker ....................................239
Traction control ........................191
Traction-lok rear axle ...............198
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................178
Transmission .............................202
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....200
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................286
fluid, refill capacities ..............296
lubricant specifications ..........296
Turn signal ..................................55
U
Upfitter controls .........................72USB port
......................................40
V
Vehicle loading
..........................165
Ventilating your vehicle
...........187
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......14
Washer fluid
..............................259
Water, Driving through
.............213
Windows
power
.........................................66
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................64
checking and adding fluid
.....259
replacing wiper blades
...........260
Wrecker towing
.........................239
Index
335
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)